Twice-Baked Potatoes with English Peas

Posted By CheeseAdventurer On April 17th, 2008

Twice-Baked Potatoes with English Peas

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INGREDIENTS
5 large russet (baking) potatoes, unpeeled
8 Tbsp. unsalted butter, divided
1 cup chopped leeks, white part only
2 Tbsp. thinly sliced garlic cloves
Salt, preferably gray sea salt
1 tsp. finely chopped fresh thyme
1-1/2 cups heavy cream
2 cups shelled English or garden green peas (about 2 pounds unshelled)
Freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp. grated lemon zest
1-3/4 cups (8 oz.), Sargento® Artisan Blends Shredded Whole Milk Mozzarella Cheese divided
1/4 cup prosciutto, diced and cooked until crisp (optional)

DIRECTIONS
Preparation Time: 1-1/2 hours, including baking the potatoes
Baking Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 10

1. Prick each potato once or twice with fork, place directly on oven rack; bake in preheated 450°F oven until tender, 1 to 1-1/4 hours. Remove from oven; let stand until cool enough to handle.

2. Meanwhile, in large skillet, melt 2 Tbsp. butter over medium heat. Add leeks, garlic and pinch of salt; reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until leeks are very soft, 7 to 8 minutes. Add thyme; cook 10 seconds. Add cream; bring to a boil. Add peas; simmer until peas are barely tender, about 2 minutes. Pour mixture into food processor and let cool slightly. Process until pureed, 45 to 60 seconds; set aside.

3. When potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut each one in half lengthwise and scoop out, leaving a 1/4-inch shell; transfer potato to bowl.

4. In large skillet, melt 2 Tbsp. butter over medium heat. Add potato and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to break up any large chunks; add remaining 4 Tbsp. butter and pepper to taste. Add pea puree and stir until well combined. Stir in lemon zest. Stir in Prosciutto Bits, if desired. Add 1 cup cheese and stir. Spoon into potato shells and place on rimmed baking sheet. Top potatoes with remaining cheese. Bake in preheated 375°F oven until heated through and cheese is golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes.

Consumer Tip: napastyle.com sells prepared prosciutto bits

For more green St. Patrick’s Day recipes, check out Slashfood.